The University and the
City" forms the third in a series of four exhibitions and accompanying
catalogues offered in conjunction with the Centennial of the University
of Chicago. The relationship between the University and the city of
Chicago extends far beyond its name and dates to the very founding
of the institution. Donatations from all sectors combined to match
John D. Rockefeller's promised endowment; this broad base of community
support has flourished over the past 100 years.

By choosing to locate
the University within the city of Chicago, the founders committed
themselves to an institution whose urban identity was at the core
of its character. With the World's Columbian Exposition virtually
in its back University and the city entered the twentieth century
together. The development of urban sociology, partly a response to
growth and change in the new century, is only one example of how the
faculty, in studying topics such as race, ethnicity, education, poverty,
and politics, derive a research focus from the city and return enriched
understanding and active participation to it.

The University
and the City" examines the intersection of the two institutions through
the individuals and issues that brought them together. Civic leaders
have always played a major role in the University's governance, serving
on the Board of Trustees and providing leadership in fundraising campaigns.
As readers of this catalogue and viewers of the exhibition will discover,
relationships forged between the University and the city in the realms
of commerce, science, religion, education, and culture shaped the
life of each. Recognizing these contributions constitutes an important
part of the University's Centennial.

The Centennial
exhibitions in Special Collections received support from the Office
of the President. Jean O'Brien participated in the early research
stages of the project. Work on this exhibition and catalogue was begun
by Maureen Harp and continued by Ted Fishman, who conducted research
and wrote early versions of several sections. Richard Popp performed
the research and writing of additional sections and assisted in editing
the catalogue and developing the exhibition. All of these activities
were directed by Daniel Meyer, who also edited the catalogue. His
effort and expertise ensured the successful completion of the project,
and they are warmly acknowledged. Kim Coventry coordinated the design
and production of the exhibition and the publication of the catalogue.